Ever stood in front of a wall of paint samples and felt completely lost? Choosing paint colours can feel like a big commitment, especially when you're trying to find that perfect shade that complements your home and matches your style.
The wrong colour can throw off the vibe of a whole room, while the right shade can make a space feel like it was made for you.
If you’re feeling the pressure of getting it right, you’re not alone. From warm neutrals to bold hues, finding the ideal colour can be a challenge.
Let’s dive into the basics, from exploring undertones to understanding how natural light changes everything, so you can confidently pick the perfect paint colours for your space.
1: Start with the Room’s Purpose
The function of a room should be your first consideration when choosing paint colours. Think about the feeling you want to evoke in the space and how you plan to use it.
Bedrooms: Go for calming tones, like soft blues, greys, or muted greens, that create a peaceful atmosphere.
Living Rooms: Choose warmer neutrals or earthy tones to make the space feel welcoming and comfortable.
Home Offices: Use colours that encourage focus and productivity, like subtle greens or warm whites.
Bathrooms: Cool blues or light greys give a fresh, clean feel to these spaces.
By aligning the paint colour with the room’s purpose, you’re already narrowing down options to colours that will work for the space.
2: Get to Know Colour Undertones
Understanding undertones is key to choosing paint colours that will match your vision. Every paint colour has an undertone, which can subtly alter its appearance depending on surrounding decor and lighting.
The Main Undertones to Consider:
Warm undertones: Include reds, yellows, or oranges. These tones bring a cosy, inviting feel to a room.
Cool undertones: These include blues and greens, which can give spaces a calm, tranquil vibe.
Neutral undertones: Think greys and browns, which work well in almost any room and with most styles.
To identify undertones, hold the paint swatch next to other colours. This makes it easier to spot whether it has a warm, cool, or neutral undertone.
3: Consider Lighting Conditions
Lighting is one of the most critical factors in choosing paint colours, as natural and artificial light will change how a colour looks throughout the day.
Natural Light
North-facing rooms: These tend to have cooler, less direct sunlight. Warmer colours can add a bit of balance, giving the room a cosy feel.
South-facing rooms: With plenty of natural light, these rooms can handle both warm and cool tones. Darker shades can work well here too.
East-facing rooms: Light is warmer in the morning but cools off in the afternoon. Soft colours often work best.
West-facing rooms: Bright and warm in the afternoon, making it ideal for cool tones that balance out the warm light later in the day.
Artificial Light
Consider how different lightbulbs affect your colour choices:
LEDs: These can have a cool or warm light; check the colour temperature on the bulb’s packaging.
Incandescent: Typically warm, adding a yellowish glow to paint colours.
Fluorescent: These often give off a cooler light that may bring out blue undertones in paint.
4: Use a Colour Wheel for Harmonious Combinations
Using a colour wheel is a classic tool for choosing paint colours that complement one another. Colour schemes can help you create a harmonious look without overwhelming the room.
Complementary colours: These are directly opposite on the colour wheel, like blue and orange. Perfect for bold contrasts.
Analogous colours: Next to each other on the wheel, like blue and green. They’re great for creating serene, cohesive looks.
Monochromatic colours: Different shades of the same colour, creating a sophisticated and subtle effect.
Once you decide on a main colour, use the colour wheel to find accent colours that create a balanced, polished look.
5: Test Your Top Colour Picks
Nothing replaces seeing the paint in your own space, so it’s always worth testing a few options before committing. Try purchasing small paint samples of your favourite colours.
Tips for Testing Paint Colours
Paint sample swatches on the wall: Apply at least two coats and check the colour throughout the day as the lighting changes.
Consider adjacent rooms: Make sure your chosen colours work with the flow of colours in nearby rooms.
Try with your decor: Hold up decor items (like cushions, curtains, or artwork) to see how they look with the sample colour.
Testing colours in your home helps you avoid surprises and ensures you’re satisfied with your choice.
6: Decide on the Right Finish
The paint finish you choose can completely change the look and durability of the colour, so don’t skip this decision!
Matte/Flat: Perfect for low-traffic areas as it hides imperfections but can be harder to clean.
Eggshell: Has a slight sheen and is easier to clean, making it a good choice for living areas.
Satin: More durable and ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
Semi-Gloss/Gloss: Provides a shiny, durable finish, often used for trim, doors, and high-moisture rooms.
Choosing the right finish is the final touch to make sure your paint looks and functions perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Paint Colours
Skipping undertones: Not noticing the undertone can throw off your whole colour scheme.
Ignoring lighting: Forgetting how natural and artificial light affects colour can lead to unexpected results.
Using too many colours: Sticking to a cohesive scheme (no more than three main colours) keeps your space balanced.
Rushing decisions: Testing colours on your walls may seem time-consuming but saves you from costly repaints.
Finding the Perfect Paint Colours for Your Space
Choosing paint colours doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By understanding the purpose of each room considering undertones, lighting, and finishes, you’re setting yourself up for success. Use these tips to find colours that not only look great but also make you feel right at home.
If you’re ready to refresh your home but still feel uncertain, contact our experts for personalised guidance and professional advice!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I choose paint colours that work together in an open floor plan?
Use similar undertones across rooms for a unified look. You can also use complementary or analogous colours from the colour wheel for accent walls or furniture.
2. What’s the best way to match paint colours with furniture?
Choose neutral tones for walls if your furniture is bold, or match undertones to create harmony. Testing with decor or samples helps avoid clashes.
3. Can I use dark colours in a small room?
Absolutely! Dark colours can make a small room feel cosy and inviting. Just balance with lighter accents to prevent the room from feeling closed in.
4. How do I know if my paint has warm or cool undertones?
Compare the paint with a true grey or white. Warm undertones will have a yellow, red, or orange tint, while cool undertones lean towards blue or green.
5. Should I use the same colour throughout my house?
You can, but varying tones and finishes create depth and interest. Try using a colour family to ensure the rooms feel cohesive yet unique.
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